‘Who asked him to talk?’ Ferris did not address Leach. Not even a glance. He knew full well why Leach had spoken up; Leach had introduced Taylor to Ferris’s outfit. It was his chance for some credit. Something Ferris was not in the habit of giving. ‘Why is he talking to me?’

Leach fell silent. Not another word. He focused on a spot on the floor. Ferris let a silence hang, just long enough to increase Leach’s discomfort.

‘Does someone else want to tell me about Taylor, then?’

‘He’s a good kid,’ Ellis replied.

No one so much as glanced at Leach. Not that he would have seen them if they had. His stare remained fixed on the floor.

Ellis continued.

‘He runs about twenty boys already. He’s a good earner.’

‘Worth moving up, or is that too soon?’

‘Depends what you want out of it?’

‘I want to give our people options. Other than going elsewhere.’ Ferris could see from Tennant’s expression that he was not following the logic. His understanding of gangland politics had always left much to be desired. Ferris continued for Tennant’s benefit. ‘We’ll deal with those that have gone over to Burrell. That sends the message. But at the same time we set Taylor up as an alternative to Burrell. Someone young who the boys can attach themselves to. Someone who’s on the up, but who’s loyal to us. Controlled by us.’

‘So instead of the ambitious lads defecting, they can throw in with Taylor without us losing them?’ Ellis replied. ‘Makes good sense.’

‘So is he ready for it?’ Ferris wanted an answer. ‘And right for it?’

Tennant and Ellis did not answer immediately. The question demanded due consideration. Leach, still smarting from his chastisement, kept his eyes down.

‘It worries me,’ Tennant finally said. ‘He reminds me of you at that age, Leon. What would you have done if someone had backed you like that?’

‘I’d have probably ironed them out and taken over the whole thing. In the end, anyway.’ Ferris smiled. He could see what was concerning his old friend. Ambition and loyalty did not make good bedfellows. ‘But we’ll keep an eye, won’t we. And I’d rather we had him in the tent than out.’

A smile spread across Ferris’s face. He had made his decision and was happy with it. In fact he was happy with everything. Things had remained good while he was in prison. Not perfect, but better than he could have hoped for. And his move to back the kid Taylor was a first step to reasserting whatever little control – whatever respect – had slipped.

Soon, Ferris thought, we’ll be stronger than ever.

The thought had barely crossed his mind when he sat up alert. A movement at the far end of the office – behind Leach – had caught his eye. His next reaction turned every head in the room.

Except one.

‘I thought I told you to keep that fucking door closed!’ Ferris bellowed at Leach.